DECATUR, Ind. -- Some third graders in Decatur say they believe their classroom's foster puppy is destined for bigger things, like a dog house at the White House.

The North Decatur Elementary School students want Bentley, a homeless 5-month-old Schnauzer mix, to be the next first pooch. They've even written letters to the family of President-elect Barack Obama, listing their puppy's Washington-worthy attributes, 6News' Jennifer Carmack reported.

"He's soft and he is very cuddly and nice and he is about potty trained," said student Kate Grote.

The students foster dogs through a local rescue group as part of a community service lesson. They've cared for and placed more than 300 puppies in the past three years.

"It teaches a lot of responsibility," teacher Linda Smith said. "We work a lot on why its important to have your pet spayed and neutered (and it) teaches a lot of compassion."

Smith said she encouraged her students to write to the Obamas and said she wouldn't mind seeing the puppy in the national spotlight herself.

"We would think a Hoosier in the White House would be wonderful," she said. "(Barack Obama) would like it to be a mutt and a rescue dog. (Michelle Obama) wants low allergy, which schnauzer mixes are."

In their letter, the class told the Obamas that they would be happy to care for Bentley until the family gets settled in the White House.